Gina Edwards

Learning Activity 1
WGS 100
9-17-2009
When I was just a timid, socially awkward preteen muddling through the seventh grade, I

met my future step-mother, Wendy Fragasse. Very quickly I recognized in her the qualities that

comprise a venerable role model and a powerful woman. Today I especially admire her

voracious work ethic, confidence amidst adversity, and attitude bolstered with strong opinions

and irreverent humor. Her ability to juggle the stress of a demanding job, the needs large family

and home, and the turmoil of emotional hardships has made her an easy choice for this

assignment; she is a beacon of matriarchal success.

During our interview, Wendy and I discussed the social issues that she feels passionately

about. As a guidance counselor in a fairly urban area of northeast Ohio, she advises myriads of

students with horrific home lives, severe mental illnesses and arresting emotional difficulties.

She recognizes that society, and the education system in particular, is not “an even playing

field.” With a passion for improving the lives of at-risk youth, Wendy seeks to provide kids with

the communication skills and goal setting guidelines that their parents—if they have them—

cannot or will not. In addition, she focuses on issues that frequently plague preteen girls, such as

eating disorders.

Several years ago, as a new counselor at Perry Local Schools, Wendy radically improved

the existing guidance program. Her additions ranged from instituting grief groups to providing

education about mental health in the classroom. By identifying the needs of underprivileged

students, investigating their particular problems, conceptualizing solutions and implementing

them, she lives by improving the lives of others.

 More specifically relating to women, Wendy is particularly vested in the area of

reproductive rights. Although she deems herself pro-choice, she is quick to point out that this

does not necessarily equate to a “pro-abortion” stance. She stresses that there are many kinds of

abortions that she disagrees with, and rather advocates for a society where contraceptives and

safe sex are stressed rather than a chaotic atmosphere of unwanted pregnancies. However, while

Wendy espouses her own opinions on abortion, she strongly opposes the notion that this issue

should ever rest in the hands of a judge.

As we discussed these topics, I asked Wendy if she would consider herself a feminist.

Expecting an immediate reaction of “absolutely,” I was surprised with her reluctant answer. She

explained that while her views typically lean toward the feminist paradigm in many regards, her

views are not necessarily as radical as many feminists. Wendy stated that she doesn’t consider

herself a “man-hater” and that she doesn’t feel that men are always suppressing women. In

actuality, she said that sometimes women suppress themselves by their way of thinking. This

response was somewhat surprising because there still seems to be an undertone of radicalism

associated with the feminist movement, even by those who espouse many similar viewpoints as

feminists.

As I understand thus far, feminism can mean numerous things. From the most vehement

eco-feminists to lesbian feminists to socialist feminists, there are as many types of feminist

thinking as there are women. Personally, I think of feminism as the goal to obliterate the

disparity of opportunity between men and women and promote equality. As a career-driven

young woman, this notion of success and fairness in the workplace is of great importance to me,

and it is one of the last ways in which America trails in progressive feminist thinking. Wendy has

distinguished herself in the professional atmosphere and is greatly respected by her male and

female colleagues; she represents the ideal of promoting equality in the workplace.
 Overall, Wendy and I have similar political and social opinions. She would likely agree

with my definition of feminism, but would probably include social and economic struggles also.

I tend to eschew those who see situations and problems as black and white, and this applies to

feminist thinking as well. While some argue that one must believe in a particular set of values in

order to be a “true” feminist, I believe that the definition can greatly vary depending on the

woman. Wendy’s similar open-minded stance would also allow many kinds of thinking into the

definition of feminism; she would not place restrictions on the meaning based on her own

personal bias.

I strongly believe that feminist ideas had much to do with Wendy becoming the success

story she is today. With the motivating springboard of women’s rights and beliefs, she reaches

out and seizes life with her whole heart and soul. Each day she advocates for others with the

influence of her experience, attitudes and outlook on life. In this way she celebrates the feminist

ideal and encourages others to do the same.